White is considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in the area. A future University of player, White will be the player other teams focus on trying to stop.

Earnest Thomas

Sr. | 6-4 | 190 | WR/SS

A transfer returning to the area, Thomas has drawn interest from several D-1 schools, including North Carolina, East Carolina and Old Dominion.

Curtis Warren

Jr. | 6-6 | 270 | DE/TE/RB

A versatile athlete who is a force on the line, Warren will also get some carries at RB in short-yardage situations.

The storylines

1. Montel White is the cog the Cougars offense revolves around. He's already chosen his college, so the only pressure he'll be under is leading his team to a district championship.

2. The Cougars will be in playoff mode from the start, with four AA schools on the schedule, but won't be lacking for motivation since they start with a rivalry (Smithfield) and end with one (Sussex Central).

3. Earnest Thomas is a weapon no one in the district has seen yet, but White is salivating at having such a big target to throw to. Standing 6-foot-4, Thomas can also blaze by opponents thanks to a 4.4 40.

4. Coach Ervin Jones was the defensive coordinator during the Cougars state championship game run of the late 90s, and has shown those films to this team to motivate them.

5. Javon Ricks (6-4, 257, DE/TE) and Curtis Warren (6-6, 270, DE/TE/RB) are only juniors, but lead a defensive line that is going to cause a lot of trouble for opponents.

The key to success

White is a known commodity and opponents are going to come up with some interesting coverages in an attempt to shut down the passing game. Thomas provides a possession receiver with breakaway speed, but the Cougars' focus on balancing out their attack in order to open up passing lanes is the key.

The big number

1,500 yards each passing and rushing is the offensive goal.

The coach speak

Our motto is to finish—finish our hits, finish our blocks, finish our runs and throws. If we do, we believe we will finish our season on Dec. 11 in the playoffs.